John 13 - Every Man's Bible

13:1-7  The Son of God came, not as a proud master who demanded service from others, but as a humble servant who delighted in helping others. In stooping down to do the most menial of jobs (washing his disciples’ feet), Jesus showed them that true leaders serve their followers. To follow Jesus’ example, we start by allowing him to serve us. As we experience his cleansing in our lives, we can help others by serving them—sharing our faith, listening to their confessions, encouraging them, and standing by them in the tough times. We will find that as we support others, we will be strengthened as well.

13:20  God expresses himself to us primarily through chosen messengers. In doing so, he makes our relationships with others sacred. We experience God’s healing love through the godly people in our lives. And as we reach out to others in the name of Jesus, we in turn become his messengers. God will use us to bring his powerful healing love into their lives as well.

13:23  Throughout his Gospel, the apostle John referred to himself as “the disciple Jesus loved” (see also 19:26; 21:20). John understood God’s unconditional love for him. We, too, need to see ourselves as God does—as deeply loved. This will then pave the way for further spiritual growth.